17 de agosto de 2011

We are what we eat - This old Chinese saying is especially true for insect
herbivores that feed on a single plant during their whole development. As
part of an international collaboration, we recently started to investigate
the role of benzoxazinoids (BXDs) in plant insect interactions. BXDs are
key defensive metabolites in grasses, and our project aims at unraveling
their role in maize resistance by investigating both the plant and the
insect simultaneously. By bringing together plant biochemistry, molecular
biology, ecology, behavior and insect physiology, this initiative will
contribute significantly to the study of BXDs as a model for plant-insect
coevolution and as natural pest control agents.

In this context, we are inviting applications for a

Post Doctoral Fellowship in Plant-Insect Ecology

Based at the University of Neuchatel, the fellow will investigate the role
of BXDs in the interaction of maize with different insect herbivores. This
includes developing and conducting in vivo and in vitro behavioral
experiments with several herbivore species in the laboratory and the
field. Furthermore, the successful candidate will establish a close
collaboration with the other partners of the initiative working on
molecular, biochemical, phytochemical and applied aspects of the system.
In this context, a highly integrated workflow will ensure that results are
quickly exchanged and hypotheses generated by one discipline will be taken
up and tested by the others. The Post Doc will also supervise a
technician, which in turn will assist in the practical aspects of the
project.

We expect: A PhD in plant-insect interactions, behavioral ecology,
chemical ecology or a related field. High proficiency in all aspects of
hypothesis-driven scientific work, from the initial idea to the submission
of the final manuscript. A strong interdisciplinary interest coupled with
good communication and supervision skills. Willingness to visit partner
laboratories and international conferences on a regular basis.

We offer: An excellent research environment with enthusiastic scientists
from different nationalities and scientific backgrounds. The possibility
to learn state-of-the art techniques from ³genes to agroecosystems². A
pleasant surrounding with a high quality of live and outstanding public
services.

The deadline for applications is August 31, 2011. Interviews will start
early in September. The positions will be available from October 2011.
Please send your application (Word or pdf document) including a CV, letter
of motivation and research interests as well as contact details of two
references via e-mail to: matthias.held@unine.ch

For more information, contact the project leader, Matthias Erb
(merb@ice.mpg.de), or the supervisors in Neuchâtel, Ted Turlings
(ted.turlings@unine.ch) and Gaetan Glauser (gaetan.glauser@unine.ch).

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